Living in Kingston upon Thames

About Kingston upon Thames

With a friendly community, renowned university and one of the lowest crime rates in London, Kingston’s amenities have lured residents to its leafy streets for decades. Kingston is attracting young professionals due to its vibrant cultural scene, riverside pubs and shopping. With developers building sleek apartments overlooking the Thames, the area is solidifying its reputation as a prime spot for city commuters.

Fact file

• Rugby player Lawrence Dallaglio, author Nick Hornby and rock legend Eric Clapton are all alumni of Kingston University
• Spider Man actor Tom Holland was born and raised in Kingston.
• The Coronation Stone in Kingston is believed to be the site where seven Anglo-Saxon kings were crowned.

Architecture and property

Today Kingston has a broad mix of architectural styles, including Victorian and Edwardian period homes and 1920s and 1930s builds. House hunters can choose from almost every property style, ranging from entry-level flats in the town centre to expensive family homes in the Coombe Estate. Kingston continues to see an increase in the number of young professionals and the burgeoning market of high-end flats and apartments reflects this.

Going out

Kingston’s High Street runs alongside the Thames, creating a vibrant riverside dining scene. In summer, restaurants spill onto the riverbank for stunning views and a relaxed vibe, including Poor Boys for Southern comfort food. Bill’s and Busaba Eathai make the most of their scenic setting, while favourites like The Fighting Fox, Roz Ana and Cappadocia adding global flavour.

For drinks, Hawkers Bar & Brasserie is the go-to for cocktails and craft beers. Culture thrives at the Rose Theatre, a 900-seat venue inspired by Elizabethan playhouses, staging productions to rival the West End. Music fans flock to Banquet Records, Kingston’s iconic shop and label, hosting gigs with artists like Stormzy, Ed Sheeran and The 1975. Comedy lovers can catch Crack Comedy Club at The Grey Horse. Sports enthusiasts are spoilt for choice. Kingston’s riverside and green spaces are perfect for outdoor pursuits. Golfers can tee off at Coombe Wood or Hampton Court Palace Golf Club, while rowing and sailing thrive at Kingston Rowing Club and Thames Sailing Club.

Local amenities

Kingston Town Centre is a shopper’s paradise, offering everything from unique boutiques to well-known high street brands. The Bentall Centre and The Rotunda are two major shopping destinations that attract visitors from across London. Kingston’s historic Market Place has been a focal point for over 800 years and continues to thrive today, hosting a variety of visiting markets, including the popular Christmas Market and regular Continental Markets. Alongside these, two permanent markets provide fresh produce and local goods throughout the year.

Supermarket options are plentiful, with Lidl, Aldi, Tesco and Sainsbury’s all located close to Kingston station. A large Asda with parking sits between Kingston and Norbiton stations, making grocery shopping convenient. The borough prioritises community spaces, with seven libraries open most days. Kingston Library stands out as a hub for learning and engagement, offering reading groups, IT tuition and even a small shop.

Green spaces

Kingston is one of the greenest areas in London, with two royal parks nearby and plenty of smaller green spaces scattered across the borough. Canbury Gardens, located between Lower Ham Road and the Thames, is a favourite spot for families. It’s also popular with those who enjoy niche leisure activities, as the park is home to the Kingston Rowing Club boathouse and offers a wide riverside path that’s perfect for fishing.

Other local parks provide excellent sporting facilities, and many parents take children horse riding or cycling in Richmond Park. This vast open space is ideal for an active day out, and spotting the deer that roam freely is a highlight for visitors. If wildlife isn’t your thing, head across the river to explore two historic landscapes. Hampton Court is a major attraction, but for a quieter experience, Bushy Park offers stunning architecture and features such as the Diana Fountain, dating back to 1637, and the Baroque-style pools at the Upper Lodge Water Gardens.